C. Design the Program
1. Identify Desired
Outcomes (continued)
Another useful planning strategy is to create
a program logic model. Such a model acts as a roadmap or blueprint.
Components of a logic model include (1) inputs (resources that
go into the program), (2) activities (actual events or actions
that take place), (3) products (direct tangible outputs of program
activities), and (4) outcomes (impacts of the program).
Program
for Oral Health Screening of Young Children |
| Inputs |
Activities |
Products/Outcomes |
Oral health professionals trained in assessment
and referral
Access to early care and education programs
Protocol
for screening and referral
Oral health educational materials
for parents of young children
Oral health professionals
who will accept young children referred through screening
program |
Promote screening with parents and early care
and education staff
Recruit children for screenings
Conduct screenings
Provide education
Manage referrals |
Young children in selected early care programs
are screened for oral disease
Parents possess better understanding
of their young children’s
oral health needs
Young children without a dental home are
referred for ongoing care |
More detailed information about the development
and utilization of logic models for program planning is available
online.
Another planning model is Planning
for Change.
Many other types of planning systems or models are available,
as
well.
Crucial to the planning process is a discussion
of resource availability and how financial, community, and organizational
support for
interventions can be sustained over time. Once available resources
have been
identified, it is possible to determine what additional resources
are needed and to establish realistic goals for attaining new
resources. At this time it is also important to determine how
to obtain and
sustain organizational support for the community oral health
program.
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